ATF Universe
Chris rolled over in the tent and found Vin missing. The sun was shinning and Chris knew Vin had probably been up for hours. Chris sat up and scrubbed his fingers through his hair. Sleeping rough, even with a tent, wasn't agreeing with Chris's back as he streched to get out the kinks. Chris pulled on some sweats and crawled out of the tent."Coffee?" Josiah asked as Chris stood up.
"Hell yes." Chris reached for the offered cup and savored the warmth as he drank. "So where have JD and Vin gone off to?"
"Have no idea," Josiah smiled as he stirred the pot hanging over the fire. "They were gone when I got up and hour ago."
"Where are the others?'
"Nathan and Buck went fishing. Ezra's still asleep."
"Well that's four of you accounted for," Chris said as he sat on a log by the fire. "I just hope JD and Vin don't do anything stupid."
+ + + + + + +
JD was reaching for a handhold just above his head. As he groped with his left hand he clung to the rock with his feet and his right hand. Vin had made it look so easy. Then again the sharpshooter was taller than he was and used different finger grips. When JD was confident he found a secure handhold he pulled himself up. He moved his right foot around looking for another spot higher up.
"What’s takin' so long?" Vin asked as he looked down at JD.
Vin was standing on a boulder that was only ten feet tall. JD was only a few feet off the ground as he looked up at Vin.
"Can I help it if I'm short," JD commented.
"Here, take my hand." Vin reached down and pulled JD up.
Once JD was on top of the boulder Vin found it hard to breathe. He turned away from JD so he wouldn't notice. They were climbing on a bunch of boulders stacked along side the waterfall. The camp was hidden from view by a stand of pines. JD was scrambling up the next boulder as Vin leaned against it to take a break. When JD noticed he wasn’t following he looked over the side.
"You OK?" JD asked.
"Yeah," Vin lied as he tried to fill his lungs with air. "You go on I'll catch up."
"That's okay I need a break anyway," JD said as he sat down. He could tell something was wrong but knew Vin would never admit it.
JD watched Vin and could see he was having a hard time catching his breath. They had hiked about a mile to get to the boulders. Vin wanted to do some climbing but JD knew Vin wasn't up to their usual hard climbs and suggested the boulders. JD had been surprised when Vin agreed. Now he wasn't sure it had been such a good idea. Vin was pale and sweating. JD climbed down and stood next to Vin.
"Maybe you better sit down," JD suggested.
"I think you’re right," Vin said as he slid down the boulder.
"Maybe we better head back."
"No, I'll be alright."
JD sat next to Vin and waited. Vin's breathing was different than it was yesterday when they were hiking. JD knew he should get Vin back to Nathan but wasn't sure how. Sometimes he really hated Vin's stubborn streak.
"You know what," JD said. "I'm kinda hungry think I'll head back."
"JD," Vin said looking at him. "I don't think I can make it."
JD hadn't been expecting that and took a closer look at Vin. Vin's breathing was a little fast and he looked miserable. "We'll go slow," JD assured him as he stood up.
JD helped Vin off the boulders and headed back for camp. He just hoped he could get Vin back before Vin got worse.
+ + + + + + +
"Where do you suppose they are?" Buck asked as he looked at his watch again.
"Quit worrin', Buck," Nathan said. "They’ll be back."
"I just hope Vin isn't pushing himself," Chris said.
"I'm sure Mr. Tanner knows his limitations," Ezra added.
"Maybe we should go look for them," Josiah suggested. "They have been gone a long time."
"And where shall we start?" Ezra asked. "We have no idea where they went."
Chris knew Ezra was right but it didn't stop him worrying. The thin air seemed to make breathing difficult for Vin if he exerted himself too much. Chris caught himself looking at his watch and sighed since there really wasn't much they could do.
"There they are," Ezra said pointing.
Across the field they could see JD walking with Vin's arm around his shoulder. Vin was leaning heavily against JD as they continued across the field.
"What the hell did they do now?" Buck asked as he quickly jogged towards them.
"Wait, Chris," Ezra said grabbing his arm.
"What!"
"Exactly that," Ezra said. "You're angry and were going to confront Vin about being stupid."
"Well obviously they did do something stupid," Chris argued.
"Yes but Vin doesn't want to hear that," Ezra pointed out. "At least not from you."
"Your right. I'll let Buck take care of them."
Chris walked with Ezra over to where the others were. As they got closer they could hear Buck telling them how stupid they were for not letting them know where they had gone. JD argued back that there wasn't anyone awake when they left. Josiah and Nathan took Vin between them and continued across the field.
"How ya doing?" Chris asked as he took Josiah's place.
"Maybe we shouldn't have come so high," Vin said breathless.
"Guess not," Chris smiled. "We'll get you back to camp and let Nathan check you out."
"I'm alright," Vin argued. "Ain’t nothing that a little rest can't cure. Don't need Nathan poking at me."
"I won't poke at you," Nathan said quickly before Chris could argue. "We'll just let you rest and see what happens."
They got Vin back to the campsite and sat him down leaning against one of the logs. JD went into his tent and got his sleeping bag. They spread it out next to the cold fire and Vin stretched out. Vin closed his eyes and tried to slow down his breathing.
"Y'all don't have to stand around and watch me," Vin said irritably.
"He's right," Josiah chuckled. "Let's go catch some fish for lunch."
"I believe I shall remain here," Ezra said.
"Oh no you don't," Buck said grabbing Ezra's arm. "You wanna eat you're gonna fish."
Josiah and JD grabbed the fishing gear as Buck dragged a reluctant Ezra towards the lake. Nathan kept an eye on Vin. He didn't like the way Vin was breathing. Vin was also beginning to drift in and out of consciousness. Nathan reached down and picked up Vin's arm to take his pulse. Vin's skin was cold and clammy and his pulse was fast.
"Chris, raise his legs," Nathan instructed as he stood up.
"What’s wrong?" Chris asked as he rolled a log over and propped Vin's feet on top of it.
"Not sure but you better get Ezra to call the forest service."
Chris swore as he got up and went to get Ezra. Nathan went to his tent and got the first aid kit. He was taking the paramedic course and as they learned a skill the equipment needed was put in the kit. Nathan hoped he wouldn't have to test the skill he learned just before he came up here. Nathan returned to Vin's side and opened the kit. He pulled out the stethoscope as he pushed the sleeping bag off Vin. Vin roused as Nathan was un-buttoning his shirt.
"Leave off," Vin said as he pushed Nathan away.
"Can't do that Vin," Nathan said as he grabbed Vin's hand.
Vin struggled but it didn't last long as he breathing became more labored. Nathan quickly put the end of the stethoscope in his ears and placed the other end on Vin's chest. As he was listening Chris came back with the others. They watched as Nathan tapped his fingers over Vin's ribs on the right side. Nathan cursed and pulled the stethoscope from his ears.
"When are they coming?" Nathan asked.
"Ezra couldn't get a signal," Chris said.
"Shit!"
"What is it Nathan?" Josiah asked.
"I think his lung collapsed.""What!" Chris asked.
"We have to get the rescue squad up here as fast as possible," Nathan urged.
"Nathan," Vin called. "Can't breathe."
Nathan quickly moved to Vin's side followed by Chris. Vin was becoming extremely agitated as he tried to force air into his lungs.
"Vin listen to me," Nathan said grabbing his shoulders. "You have to relax."
"Can’t you do something?" JD asked.
"I just learned something that might help," Nathan admitted.
"Then do it!" Chris demanded as he tried to calm Vin.
"I can't!" Nathan said afraid. "I could do more damage."
"You have to try, Nathan," Josiah said. "You're all Vin has."
"You can do it Nathan," Ezra added.
"Hell!" Nathan sighed. "I need to get him in a reclining position."
They all moved quickly as they propped Vin up. Nathan was getting everything he would need out of his kit. He really hated to be doing this outside but they didn't have much of a choice. Nathan knelt next to Vin and ran his finger down the middle of Vin's right rib cage until he found the second rib. He rubbed betadine over the site.
"Vin listen to me," Nathan said as put his hand on Vin's forehead. "What I'm about to do is gonna hurt like hell."
"Why am I not surprised," Vin gasped. "Just do it."
"Josiah I want you to take his shoulders," Nathan instructed. "You have to keep him from moving." Josiah nodded and moved into place. "The rest of you grab him anywhere you can."
They all took up positions around Vin and waited. Nathan pulled on some surgical gloves then opened the large needle he would need. JD gulped audibly at the size of the needle. Nathan slipped a rubber tube over the end of the needle then looked into Vin's eyes. Vin nodded and Nathan took a steadying breath as he placed the needle at the midclavical line against Vin's chest. Josiah could see Nathan's hands were shaking.
"You can do it," Josiah said as he squeezed Nathan’s shoulder.
Nathan nodded then looked to see if everyone was ready. They all nodded and Nathan went to work. He pushed the needle into Vin's chest and slowly advanced it. Vin screamed as Nathan pushed the large needle into his chest. They all took a firmer grip as Vin tried to pull away. Nathan continued pushing the needle against the resistance until he felt it give. Air returned through the needle and Nathan stopped pushing. He then pushed the rubber catheter further into the hole as he removed the needle. Nathan threw the needle to the side as he listened. When no further air escaped Nathan checked the one way valve on the end of the tube then secured it in place. Vin's breathing was already starting to ease as Josiah moved out of the way so Chris could get closer. Josiah went over to Nathan and put his hands on the younger man's shoulder. He could feel Nathan shaking as he pulled off his gloves.
"You did it," Josiah said.
"Scared the shit out of me when he screamed."
"You’re not the only one," Ezra added as he took a swig from his flask. "Might I offer you a drink."
"Thanks," Nathan said and took a healthy bolt.
He handed the flask back to Ezra then checked Vin. Nathan put the stethoscope in his ears and listened to Vin's right side. Everything sounded okay but Nathan knew they had to get Vin off the mountain as quickly as possible.
"How ya feeling Vin?" Nathan asked.
"That hurt like hell," Vin accused. "But it's easier to breathe."
"Good," Nathan said smiling then turned to Chris. "We have to get him off this mountain. Someone’s gonna have to head back to the vehicles."
"That someone's goin' have to be you, Pard," Buck pointed out. "You and Vin are the only ones who know how to get up here."
"I'm not leaving," Chris argued.
"Buck's right," Vin sighed. "I'll be alright."
"Ezra can you watch Vin while I talk to Chris," Nathan said.
"Of course," Ezra replied.
Nathan took the others aside. "What I just did is temporary. We have to get him to a hospital as quick as possible."
"It took us almost five hours to get here," JD pointed out.
"That's because we were taking our time," Buck said. "If wee take all the horses and use them as remounts we can probably get back to the trucks in two."
"I'll start tacking them," JD said and ran off to get the horses.
"It will be getting dark by the time you down," Josiah said. "We'll have a bonfire going here to signal the chopper."
"Alright," Chris agreed. "Let me tell Vin what's going on."
Chris walked back over towards Vin. Ezra saw him approach and moved away. Chris knelt next to Vin and ran his fingers through his hair. Vin opened his eyes and looked at Chris.
"Gonna be heading out as soon as the horses are tacked."
"I'll be okay, Chris."
"I know," Chris smiled. "Try not to give Nathan too hard a time."
"I’ll try."
Chris leaned over and kissed Vin on the lips. Vin wasn't used to showing affection in front of the others but since they knew he tentatively returned the kiss.
"I'll be back as quick as I can."
"Ain't goin' no where."
Chris smiled and stood up. He walked over to where the horses were waiting. Buck was waiting on Beavis. He held the lead for Quincy. Hooked to Quincy's saddle horn was Milagro's reins. JD was holding Pony and Peso’s reins. Weasel was tied to Peso and Hemp was tied to Weasel.
"JD, switch out Peso," Chris said. "I'll ride him first."
JD did as Chris asked and a short time later Chris was winging onto Peso’s back. He took Pony's reins from JD then turned to Buck.
"You ready?"
"Whenever you are."
"We'll be back as fast as we can," Chris said turning to Josiah.
"We'll be here," Josiah said.
Chris turned to Buck and nodded. "Let's ride."
Chapter 5
Buck ducked under a branch as they raced down the mountain. Chris was pushing the horses hard. Buck could feel Beavis breathing heavy and knew they would have to switch soon. He looked up to where Chris was riding. Peso loved to run but even Buck could see the gelding was getting tired."Chris we need to switch horses," Buck called.
Buck was glad he wouldn't have to argue with Chris as he saw Peso begin to slow. Chris jumped off the black and then checked Pony's girth. Buck dismounted from Beavis and checked Quincy. Chris was trying to tie Peso to Hemp's saddle but the gelding wasn't going for it. Peso didn't like to be bullied and that was one of the reasons Chris couldn't get the gelding to do things for him. Peso had a stubborn streak to rival his masters.
"You damned mule!"
"Chris give him to me," Buck said taking Peso’s reins.
Buck calmly led Peso over to Beavis and tied his reins to the gray’s saddle horn. Buck swung up on Quincy while Chris waited. Once Buck was settled Chris started out. Buck tapped his heals to Quincy and followed. Beavis willing went with Buck but Peso wasn't happy about being tied and tossed his head in irritation.
"Don't give me a hard time or I will let Chris shoot ya!"
Peso's ears shot forward at the tone of Buck's voice and the horse knew he better go along. Once the war of wills was settled Buck pushed Quincy into a canter to catch up to Chris. Buck guessed they were half way down the mountain. The first leg took less than an hour and he figured they had another hour to go. Buck just hoped Vin could last that long.
+ + + + + + +
Ezra sat with Vin as the others went about breaking down some of the camp. They all agreed that they would leave tomorrow. JD was worried that Buck would have to make the trip back up the mountain in the dark. Josiah said Buck would wait till first light. Ezra agreed with JD, that Buck would come up at night, and was willing to place a wager on it. Vin wanted in on the bet and Nathan was glad to see his patient wasn't suffering too much. Nathan knew it had to hurt like hell and worried that when the pain became too much to bare he had nothing to give Vin. He was taking down Chris's tent when he heard Vin call to Ezra.
"Can I have some water?" Vin asked.
"Of course."
Ezra poured some water in a cup then moved over to Vin. He sat down on the log next to Vin and handed him the cup. Vin had pulled his left arm from under the sleeping bag and took the offered cup. Ezra noticed Vin's hand was shaking as he drank the water.
"Thanks," Vin said and winced as he raised the cup.
"I suggested you stop moving around.""Reckon your right," Vin replied.
"Nathan also told you to try and get some sleep," Ezra said as he pulled back the sleeping bag and tucked Vin's arm back under.
"Can't," Vin said. "Hurts."
"I'm sure it does," Ezra said shifting to find a more comfortable position on the log. He was surprised Vin had admitted that. His usually response would have be ‘I’m fine’ this just proved how much he was hurting.
"Ezra, I'm cold."
Ezra became alarmed at Vin's declaration. Earlier they had started the fire close by and Ezra was more than warm enough. In fact he was roasting. He reached out and placed his hand on Vin's forehead. Vin was hot and Ezra could feel him trembling. Ezra calmly got another sleeping bag to cover Vin as he frantically searched for Nathan. Nathan saw Ezra looking and immediately moved over to the fire.
"What's wrong?"
"Vin says he's cold but his skin his hot to the touch."
"Damn," Nathan cursed as he sat next to Vin. "How ya feeling Vin?"
"Cold," Vin admitted as Nathan pushed back the sleeping bags.
Nathan grabbed the first aid kit that was close by and opened it. He pulled on a pair of gloves. The fire was bright enough so he could see what he was doing. He carefully removed the bandage around the catheter to check the wound. Vin moaned and Ezra held Vin so he wouldn't move. Nathan replaced the bandage then checked the one way valve to see if the tube was still clear. He sighed in relief as he heard the air escaping each time Vin breathed. Nathan knew that the blood would eventually clog the tube and it would no longer work. He just hoped the rescue chopper got here soon, he really didn't want to have to stab Vin again. Nathan checked Vin's pulse and wasn't surprised to find it fast.
"Nathan," Vin sighed as he was covered again. "Where's Chris?"
"He's coming," Nathan said squeezing Vin's shoulder. "Won't be long now."
"Supposed to go to the tack shop tomorrow," Vin said confused.
"I know, don’t worry about it." Vin nodded as Nathan turned to Ezra. "Need you to sit and talk with him. Try to keep him calm."
"He's getting worse," Ezra stated.
"He’s developing a fever," Nathan said worried. "He's confused and in pain. Not much I more I can do for him"
"You've done plenty."
"Thanks, I'm gonna help Josiah."
"Don't worry I'll look after him," Ezra said.
Nathan nodded and began to help Josiah get diner ready. JD was off gathering firewood. Ezra sat next to Vin and tried to get comfortable. Ezra noticed Vin was shivering and tucked the sleeping bag around him. Vin opened his eyes and looked at Ezra.
"Can I git some water."
"Of course."
Ezra refilled the cup from earlier as Vin pulled his left arm from under the sleeping bag. However this time Ezra had to help Vin hold the cup as he drank. When Vin was done Ezra took the cup and went to tuck Vin's arm under the blanket. Vin grabbed Ezra's hand and held on.
"Ezra, it really hurts."
"I know, Vin, Chris will be here soon. Just try to relax."
Vin nodded and closed his eyes. Ezra tried to get Vin's left arm under the sleeping bag again but Vin wouldn't let go. He ended up sitting beside Vin with his arm under the blanket also. Vin seemed comforted by Ezra's presence and started to relax. Nathan glanced over and nodded his approval. Ezra just hoped Chris hurried.
+ + + + + + +
Buck was never so glad to make it down the mountain. Towards the end they had been racing the setting sun. Chris pushed the horses hard to get to the vehicles before it got dark. As they broke through the trees Buck could see the two vehicles parked exactly where they had left them. Chris had tried to use Ezra's cell phone the last time they stopped to switch mounts but the signal was still weak. Chris pulled Hemp to a stop and dismounted. He handed Hemp and Pony's reins to Buck as he pulled out the phone. Buck took the reins without a word and hoped the phone worked.
"Come on.... Come on. Damn it!" Chris cursed as he waited for someone to pick up. "Yes, hello. I need a medivac chopper..."
Buck sighed in relief as he began to walk the horses around to cool them down. As soon as Chris was off the phone he would go back up the mountain. If he was lucky he should make it back up in a few hours. All of the horses were tired and didn't give Buck a hard time about being tied together, not even Peso. Buck saw Chris end the conversation and walk towards him.
"Chopper will be here in ten minutes," Chris said.
"You gonna be alright till it gets here?"
"Yeah, you sure you want to head back up in the dark?"
"Think I can manage. We left a trail a blind man could follow."
"Alright," Chris said reluctantly. "You take it easy."
"I'll be fine," Buck assured him. "You just take care of Junior and make sure he saves some of the nurses for me."
Chris stepped back as Buck led the horses back into the trees. He knew Buck would be careful but he still worried. Chris shook his head wondering when he became such a mother hen.
+ + + + + + +
Nathan had switched places with Ezra so he could eat. The undercover agent had kept Vin entertained and his mind off the pain as best he could but even Ezra could only do so much. Vin had become disoriented as the time wore on. His fever had increased but by some miracle the catheter had stayed clear for which Nathan was very grateful. Nathan wet a cloth and wiped Vin's face.
"Chris," Vin said opening his eyes.
"No, Vin, its Nathan."
"Didn't mean to forget to close the coral," Vin mumbled.
"It's alright no harm done."
"They couldn't have gone far," Vin said struggling to sit up. "I’ll help ya find them."
"Easy, Vin," Nathan said holding him still. Vin quieted and Nathan continued to bathe his face. JD was sitting close by watching.
"Didn't mean for this to happen," JD said. "Just wanted to climb some rocks."
"Ain’t your fault, JD," Nathan said looking at him. "I should have known better than to let Vin come to such a high altitude."
"Yes you should both take the blame," Ezra said. "And while your excepting responsibility for Vin's mishaps perhaps you will accept the blame for this hang nail I have. Or perhaps the next time I catch a cold or better yet for all the starving children in the world. You really should have been able to prevent that."
"I think they get the picture," Josiah laughed when he saw Nathan and JD smile.
"Guess we asked for that huh?" JD said.
"This unfortunate accident is no ones fault," Ezra said. "Besides I'm sure Mr. Larabee is beating himself enough for all of us."
"Knowing Chris I'm sure he is," Josiah agreed.
"They should have made it down the mountain by now," JD reasoned.
"I agree," Ezra said. "I think we should start the other fire."
Josiah took a burning stick from the fire next to the tents and walked over to where they had stacked the larger fire. The kindling was dry and caught quickly as Josiah placed the burning stick against it. JD had gathered a substantial amount of wood to keep the fire going. As the logs started to catch the bonfire lit up meadow they were camped by. Pete wasn't too happy with the large fire and JD picketed him further away. JD stayed with the horse not wanting to go back to the fire. It was hard seeing Vin in so much pain and not be able to do anything about it. As he stroked the horse’s mane he could have sworn he heard the rotors of a helicopter.
Chapter 6
Chris rode in the front seat of the helicopter as it raced up the mountain. It felt like the ride was taking forever when Chris saw a small fire up ahead. He pointed it out to the pilot and the helicopter banked to the right. In the back the two paramedics were reading the equipment they would need. Chris was just glad this nightmare was almost over. As the chopper got closer to camp the strong spotlight swept the area. Chris could see Josiah and Nathan hastily dousing the fires out they wouldn't spread. Off to the right JD was struggling with the frightened packhorse Pete. Ezra shielded Vin with his body as the wind whipped around camp."The areas not big enough to land," the pilot said. "You'll have to winch down."
"Got it," one of the medics said giving the pilot thumbs up.
Chris watched over his shoulder as one of the medics hooked himself to the cable and disappeared. The second medic guided the cable down then watched as the medic on the ground unhooked himself. Once he was clear the cable was brought back up. A metal stokes, with all the equipment, was then hooked to and lowered to the ground.
Josiah moved over to the medic and helped him carry his equipment over to Vin. The helicopter moved off to reduce the wind in the camp. Josiah and the medic placed the equipment next to the extinguished fire. Nathan was lighting the Coleman lamp so they could see.
"I'm Martin," the medic said. "What's the problem."
"Patients name is Vin," Nathan began. "He's 27 and has a collapsed lung. I preformed an emergency Needle Thoracostomy to relieve the pressure. His pulse is rapid and his BP is 110/70. His temperature is 101."
"You sure you needed me?" Martin asked amused as he folded back the sleeping bag.
Vin had finally lost consciousness from the pain but he moaned as Martin checked the catheter. Martin nodded impressed when he saw it was still working. He grabbed a portable oxygen tank, hooked up a mask and placed it over Vin's mouth and nose.
"How long has it been since you did this?"
"A little over three hours."
"You a medic?" Martin asked as he continued to assess Vin.
"Not yet," Nathan said.
"You'll make a hell of a good one. This was very well done."
Nathan smiled as Martin turned away to talk into his radio. Josiah clapped Nathan on the back in congratulations.
"I'm gonna pack him just the way he is," Martin explained as he pulled the stokes along side Vin. "Hope you won't need the sleeping bags."
"We'll be just fine," Ezra assured him.
They carefully loaded Vin into the stokes. When they picked him up the pain from being moved jarred Vin awake. He struggled for a short time then passed out again. Martin strapped Vin in tight then placed the oxygen tank between Vin's legs and strapped it down as well. Once Vin was secure they lifted him and walked into the field. The helicopter hovered and lowered the cable.
"Good thing Vin's unconscious," Josiah yelled. "I don't think he would appreciate the ride."
"Neither would I," Ezra yelled.
They hooked the stokes to the cable and stepped back. Vin started to rise and the medic in the chopper steadied the cable. When the stokes was level with the floor of the chopper it was pulled inside and secured. Once it was secured the cable was lowered again. Ezra, Josiah and Nathan stepped back as Martin hooked himself to the cable. Martin waved to them as he began to rise. He disappeared inside the helicopter then it flew off.
"Hope Vin's okay," JD said as he led Pete back to camp.
"He'll be fine," Nathan said.
"Now we just have to wait for Mr. Wilmington."
"Might as well get the fire going again," Josiah said. "Have ourselves a good dinner and be on our way early in the morning."
+ + + + + + +
Chris looked over his left shoulder too see how Vin was doing. He couldn't see much since most of Vin's face was covered by the oxygen mask. Martin was listening to Vin's breathing and Chris could see he wasn't happy. He pulled the stethoscope out of his ears and checked the tube in Vin's chest. His partner was starting an IV and noticed Martin's look.
"Mike, what's our ETA?" Martin asked.
"Twenty minutes," the pilot answered.
"Make it fifteen."
"Got ya."
"What's wrong?" Chris asked as he felt the chopper pick up speed.
"The tube in his chest is starting to clog," Martin said. "He's okay for right now but I'd like to get him to the hospital pronto."
As the chopper speed over the trees Chris could see Denver not too far away. It felt like an eternity had passed until they were landing on the roof of the hospital. Chris could see a trauma team waiting off to the side as the helicopter touched down. The side door was pulled open and the gurney was brought along side. Chris pulled off his headphones and climbed out of the chopper.
"I told you let him ride not hurt himself," Dr. Allen teased.
"You know Vin," Chris shouted over the sound of the blades as he helped push the gurney.
Once in the elevator Dr. Allen checked Vin. He was having trouble breathing and Martin was assisting Vin's breathing with an ambu-bag. She checked the tube in Vin's chest and smiled.
"Nathan?" she asked.
"Who else."
"When are you going to let me steal him. He'll make a fine doctor."
"You just want to make him a doctor so you don't have to deal with Vin."
"Damn straight!"
The elevator opened in the ER and Vin was pushed into one of the cubicles. Dr. Allen started issuing orders and a portable x-ray machine was set up to take chest x-rays. They were quickly sent off as Dr. Evan checked Vin over. A Nurse had replaced Martin suplimenting Vin's breathing. She issued orders for an antibiotic when she found Vin's temperature was 101. Ten minutes later the xrays were back and she moved over to the light bar to check them. She was surprised at what she found and had the nurses get together everything for a chest tube. Chris stood off to the side and watched. He was glad Vin was unconscious since the procedure was pretty painful. Chris was also glad it was her doing it and not some intern like the last time. She was done quickly and had Vin hooked to the suction right away.
"Well that's done," she smiled as she pulled off her gloves and turned to Chris. "Now why don't you tell me what happened while they clean Vin up and get him settled in a room."
"Tell you over a cup of coffee?"
"You're on."
Ten minutes later found them in the cafeteria sipping coffee as she listened to Chris's explanation. She nodded in understanding when Chris described where they went.
"Well that explains it," she said. "Its called Barotrauma."
"What?"
"From the high altitude."
"Shit!"
"Don't beat yourself up , Chris, you couldn't have known," she said in sympathy. "It's not that common."
"Figures Vin would get it," Chris smiled. "So what is it?"
"Well at a higher altitude Vin had to take deeper breathes to get the same amount of air he was used to lower down. It eventually puts stress on all areas of the lungs. With Vin's recent chest tube there was a weak area. So if Vin was breathing hard and taking deep breaths then the plural wall probably gave way around the old chest tube wound and there is a sudden snap and pain. So the harder Vin breathed the more air he took in but couldn't get rid of the pressure inside his lungs. This caused the pain and fatigue you discribed. The pressure just kept building until his lung collapsed."
"Damn," Chris said shaking his head. "Vin can never do something simple."
"Hey I like a challenge," she smiled. "They should have him in his room by now."
They finished their coffee then walked out of the cafeteria.
+ + + + + + +
Vin tried to find a comfortable position and stifled as gasp as the chest rubbed against his ribs when he moved. He sighed and cursed as the tube rubbed again. Vin quickly looked to the side to see if he woke Chris. Chris was still slumped in the chair sound asleep. Vin had tried to convince Chris to go home last night but Chris refused. He glanced at the clock and it said 6 PM. There others should have made it back by now and Vin wondered where they were. Vin closed his eyes hoping he could get back to sleep when he heard the door open.
"Hey Junior," Buck said. "You up for visitors?"
"Hell ya! I'm bored."
The other members of the team walked in and over to Vin's bed. Vin quickly put his index finger up to his lips then pointed at Chris.
"Couldn’t get him to go home."
"Don't worry I'll take him with me when we leave," Nathan said.
"Ya bring me anything to eat?" Vin asked. "All I got for dinner was some mystery meat and green Jell-O."
"No we didn't" Nathan said.
Vin noticed JD pointing to a bag he was carrying and giving him a thumbs up. He knew he could count on JD to smuggle him something.
"So how long they keeping you?" Josiah asked.
"Until this stupid thing inflates again!" Vin jabbed the right side of his chest.
"That certainly won't help," Ezra pointed out.
"Did you have any trouble getting down the mountain?"
"After JD coaxed Peso along with Oreo’s we had no problem," Buck laughed.
"Oreo’s, Butterfinger, licorice," JD added.
Vin laughed then gasped. Buck was the closest and he was subjected to Vin crushing his hand. "Easy there, I might need that hand later."
"Don’t worry, Stud, you still have the right one," Chris said as he stretched in the chair.
"How ya doing, Chris?"
"Oh just wonderful," Chris said as he stood up and cracked his back.
"Won't get no sympathy from me," Vin wheezed. "Told ya ta go home."
"Well now that the rest of the Mod Squad is here I will," Chris said. "You want to give us a minute
They each brought something too keep Vin amused while he was laid up. Vin thanked them as they walked out of the room. Once Chris was alone with Vin he sat on the edge of his bed then leaned over and kissed him.
"Sorry to mess up everyone’s fun," Vin said after Chris sat back.
"You should be," Chris scolded. "Never seems to fail that you get into trouble."
"Can’t help it I just like the attention."
"Bullshit," Chris smiled. "You sure you’ll be okay?"
"Yeah I’ll be fine," Vin assured him. "Not like I ain’t done this before."
"I’ll be back in the morning," Chris said standing. "Plan on bunking at Buck and JD’s place."
"Like to live dangerous don’t ya," Vin laughed then winced.
"I suggest you don’t do that."
"Keep it mind."
Chris leaned over and kissed Vin again. Vin parted his mouth and ran his tongue along Chris’s lips. Chris smiled as his tongue met Vin’s. Chris continued the kiss for a little longer but broke it off before it went too far.
"Damn tease," Vin cursed.
"I’ll be back in the morning," Chris laughed and turned to leave. Before getting to the door he looked back at Vin. "It’s good to have you back."
"Glad to be back."
Chris walked out the door and Vin watched as it slowly closed behind him. For the past month he hadn’t felt a thing when Chris kissed him or tried to initiate sex. Now that he wasn’t messed up with all the drugs he was laid up in the hospital. Vin just sighed and closed his eyes. He drifted off to sleep dreaming what he would do with Chris when he got home.
END
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